it's a sliver of a silver lining instead of surging and further straining Hospital resource is influenza cases are down dramatically this season. Well, there's without doubt a sense of relief. In the first week ending in January of last year, the 500 reported high flu activity in the majority of states this year. During that same period, flu activity was low in every state. We are very happy. We're not seeing ah flu search because we saw flu search. I don't know where we would be putting patients. Health experts credit the same measures being taken to slow the spread of cove in 19, which is more transmissible. On average, an infected person passes it to 2 to 3 people. With the flu, that rate drops to 1.5 people. That difference may not sound to you as much, but it's actually huge. Uh, because the growth is exponential, right? But flu season isn't over and co vid cases air surging, making mask, wearing social distancing and hand hygiene critical even if you've been vaccinated against Cove in 19. While health experts say those vaccines are effective at preventing serious illness, they aren't yet sure if they prevent transmission. I didn't wear my mask and I went toe, you know, a bar and I get get infected with the vaccine. I may not get sick, but I may still be able to, you know, get infected and therefore potentially transmit to others safe, simple and smart health practices to protect yourself and others. Sarah Doll if NBC News